Cherries are happiest when grown in a climate with cool winters and a dry spring and summers, some cherries have been bred so they will grow in warmer climates as indicated below. Plant in a warm, sunny planting position where trees receive 6-8 hours of sunlight in summer; fertile soil with good drainage is a must.
Pollinators are indicated below, yields will improve for self-fertile varieties with multiple plantings or another variety close by.
They are prolific growers and can reach 6 -10 meters, some on dwarfing root stock will only reach 2.5-3.5 meters; ensure you allow adequate spacing between your trees for good airflow.
Ripening times - these are guidelines only, and may differ between regions.
Cultivar
Bing
Ripening time
January
Pollinator
Burlatt, Rainier
Comment
Dark skin and flesh, very sweet.
Cultivar
Burlatt
Ripening time
Nov-Dec
Pollinator
Bing, Rainer, Lapins, Stella
Comment
Large heart-shaped fruit, use for desserts.
Cultivar
Compact Stella
Ripening time
Dec-Jan
Pollinator
Self-fertile
Comment
Heavy crops of dark red fruit, smaller tree. Suitable for warmer climates.
Cultivar
Dawson
Ripening time
Dec-Jan
Pollinator
Compact Stella, Stella, Lapins
Comment
Large dark red fruit. Suitable for warmer climates.
Cultivar
Griotella - Sour Cherry
Ripening time
January
Pollinator
Self-fertile
Comment
Culinary use, makes a great cherry pie. Smaller variety.
Cultivar
Lapins
Ripening time
Dec-Jan
Pollinator
Self-fertile, improve with Stella
Comment
Heritage cherry, sweet fruit. Suitable for warmer climates.
Cultivar
Modesto
Ripening time
Nov-Dec
Pollinator
Bing, Stella
Comment
Good cropper of sweet medium-size cherry.
Cultivar
Montmorency - Sour Cherry
Ripening time
February
Pollinator
Self-fertile, improve with Griotella
Comment
Popular for cooking and juicing.Required around 700+ hours
Cultivar
Rainier
Ripening time
Dec-Jan
Pollinator
Bing, Dawson
Comment
Large fruit, sweet tasting. Required 700+ hours.
Cultivar
Stella
Ripening time
Dec-Jan
Pollinator
Self-fertile, good pollinator for other sweet Cherry
Comment
Large dark sweet fruit, a treat at Christmas. Required around 700+ hours
Cultivar
Summit
Ripening time
December
Pollinator
Lapins, Stella
Comment
Large heart-shaped red sweet fruit.
Cultivar
Tangshi - Sour Cherry
Ripening time
Nov-Dec
Pollinator
Self-fertile
Comment
Red skin with yellow flesh, great cooking or juicing.